Coated chewing gum products containing an antigas agent

ABSTRACT

A method of making coated chewing gum products containing an antigas agent comprises the steps of providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating comprising a bulk sweetener; providing an antigas agent; and applying the antigas agent and coating syrup to the cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for producing coatedchewing gum products. More particularly, the invention relates toproducing coated chewing gum products containing an antigas agent thatis added to the chewing gum coating such that it will have a controlledfast release from chewing gum for maximum effectiveness.

[0002] Coated chewing gum products are well known. Many prior artpatents disclose chewing gum products coated with sugar sweeteners orpolyol sweeteners. U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,838, for example, discloses amethod of applying a sugarless coating to chewing gum. The coating mayinclude calcium carbonate as an anti-sticking agent. Syntheticsweeteners, including many different high-intensity sweeteners, are alsosuggested for use in the coating.

[0003] Another area of interest is the use of medicaments in chewinggum. In some instances, it is contemplated that an active medicamentthat is added to the chewing gum may be readily released. An activemedicament may be added to the gum coating, which is a water solublematrix, such that during the chewing period, the medicament may bereleased quickly, resulting in a fast release. This would allow achewing gum coating to be a carrier for an active medicament,specifically an antacid with these fast release characteristics. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,989 discloses a chewing gum compositioncoated with an outer shell containing layers of a mineral compound and acoating syrup, but this patent states that the mineral compound must beadded separately and not dispersed in the syrup used to make thecoating.

[0004] Antacids are usually taken on an “as needed” basis to relievegastrointestinal disturbances mostly due to dietary indiscretions. Theseantacids are generally insoluble inorganic salts such as calciumcarbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,or aluminum hydroxide. Antacids readily neutralize acids in thegastrointestinal (GI) tract and are commonly available in or as antacidtablets. Some typical consumer antacid products are: TUMS, whichcontains calcium carbonate; MILK of MAGNESIA, which contains magnesiumhydroxide, and MAALOX PLUS, which contains a combination of aluminumhydroxide and magnesium hydroxide along with simethicone. Some of theseantacid products also include an antigas agent called simethicone toeliminate gas buildup in the GI tract. Other consumer products containonly simethicone as the active ingredient, such as MYLANTA GAS, GAS-X,and PHAZYME.

[0005] Previously, antacids have been added to chewing gum and in achewing gum coating, but some products have not been totally consumeracceptable. The large amount of active antacid needed for effectivenessdoes not lend itself to giving a good tasting product. Also, thepresence of sugar in the antacid chewing gum or coated on the chewinggum of some products is not consumer acceptable because sugar causesdental caries.

[0006] A sugarless coated chewing gum produced having an antacid in asorbitol base coating is currently being sold under the trademarkCHOOZ®. It has been found that by adding the antacid to a gum coating,the antacid is quickly released from the chewing gum into saliva andinto the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Relief from GI acidity is quicklyobtained, but little relief from gas formation is provided. It would bedesirable to have not only fast relief, but relief from gas formation.Thus, there is a need for a way to make coated chewing gum products thatprovide for gas relief, as well as being acceptable to the consumer fromtaste and other standpoints.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It has been found that an antigas agent such as simethicone canbe provided in a chewing gum coating to provide relief from gasformation, and that the antigas agent is able to act quickly once thegum product is placed in the mouth.

[0008] In a first aspect, the invention is a method of making coatedchewing gum products containing an antigas agent comprising the stepsof: providing chewing gum cores; providing a coating syrup comprising abulk sweetener; providing an antigas agent; and applying the antigasagent and coating syrup to the cores and drying the syrup to produce acoating on the cores, the coating containing the antigas agent.

[0009] In a second aspect, the invention is a coated chewing gum productcontaining an antigas agent comprising: a chewing gum core and a coatingon the core, the coating comprising an antigas agent.

[0010] In a third aspect, the invention is a method of delivering anantigas agent to an individual that provides relief in thegastrointestinal tract comprising the steps of: providing chewing gumcores; providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; providingsimethicone; applying the simethicone and coating syrup to the cores anddrying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores, the coatingcontaining from about 5 mg to about 200 mg simethicone; and chewing thecoated chewing gum product in the mouth and swallowing the coating, thecoating dispersing and dissolving to provide simethicone as an antigasagent in the gastrointestinal tract.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention include the addition of aneutralizing antacid in the coating, and may also include an acidblocker such as a histamine H₂-receptor antagonists. These agentsinhibit or block the secretion of gastric acid by binding to a specifichistamine receptor on the parietal (acid secreting) cell membraneslocated in the stomach. These agents, which may be added to the chewinggum center or to the coating containing the antigas agent, are used forextended relief of gastrointestinal disturbances and extended relieffrom stomach acidity. Examples of histamine H₂-receptor antagonists arecimetidine, ranitidine and its active salt, nizatidine and famotidine,with famotidine being preferred.

[0012] The administration of an antigas agent, and preferably aneutralizing antacid as well, that is contained in a chewing gumcoating, provides an effective relief from many gastrointestinaldisturbances.

[0013] It is believed that providing a larger particle size antacid in achewing gum coating makes it even more effective and longer lasting.Thus, an advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention isadministering an antacid to an individual that has a larger particlesize than is typically administered orally, giving extended relief whilestill achieving the effect of fast relief.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] As used herein, the term “chewing gum” includes bubble gum andall other types of chewing gum. Unless specified otherwise, allpercentages are weight percentages.

[0015] As mentioned above, products made by the present invention willpreferably include an antacid, such as calcium carbonate. The antacidwill preferably be included as part of the coating syrup used to preparea coated chewing gum product. A typical syrup may contain a polyol,suspended calcium carbonate, simethicone, a binding agent, ahigh-intensity sweetener and a whitener.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antacidis contained in the coating of chewing gum products, which allows achewing gum coating to be a carrier for the antacid and the antigasagent (also sometimes referred to as an antiflatulent). Accordingly, asthe chewing gum is chewed, the active antacid and antiflatulent in thegum coating is released into the saliva and ingested to give relief fromgastrointestinal disturbances in the GI tract.

[0017] The preferred antacids are generally carbonate or hydroxide saltsof calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or bismuth, and are generally verywater insoluble. Other antacids such as sodium bicarbonate, calciumbicarbonate, and other carbonates, silicates, and phosphates may be usedin this invention. When these materials are mixed with acids in the GItract, the acids are readily neutralized to give relief from GIdisturbances.

[0018] Antiflatulents may be added to an antacid gum coating to beeffective antigas materials and eliminate trapped wind. The most commonantigas material is dimethicone (dimethyl polysiloxane) and when mixedwith silicone dioxide becomes simethicone. Simethicone is also referredto as activated dimethicone. Simethicone is the most common antigasmaterial and may be the only drug approved antiflatulent. However, otherantifoaming agents may be used as antigas agents in this invention. Asnoted previously, simethicone is in other antacid preparations likeMYLANTA GAS and GAS-X at a level of 125 mg per tablet. Otherpreparations like PHAZYME contain simethicone at higher levels, up to166 mg. The level of simethicone in a coated chewing gum product may beabout 5 mg to about 200 mg per piece of coated gum. When used incombination with an antacid, the level of simethicone may be about 20 mgto about 50 mg.

[0019] Simethicone may be blended with a carrier and preferably be addedas a dry charge material to a gum coating. Simethicone in somesituations may act as an anti-tack agent. To prevent any coatingproblems while applying simethicone as part of a coating, thesimethicone may be encapsulated, agglomerated, entrapped or otherwisephysically modified so that it will not affect the gum coating process,but will release during chewing and ingestion. Simethicone may also beblended with flavor and applied on the coated gum piece in betweenapplications of coating syrup. Simethicone USP is readily miscible andmay be soluble in mint oils at high levels of use. Besides its antigaseffect, simethicone used in a gum coating can also improve thesmoothness of the coating.

[0020] In addition to antacids, acid blockers may also be used in asimethicone-containing products. Examples of acid blockers are histamineH₂-receptor antagonists which include cimetidine, used in an over thecounter (OTC) preparation called TAGAMET; famotidine, used in an OTCpreparation called PEPCID; the hydrochloride salt of ranitidine, used inZANTAC; and nizatidine, used in AXID. Some other types of acid blockersare called gastric proton pump inhibitors. These include omeprazole,used in PRILOSEC, and rabeprazole. All of these have been used for thetreatment of digestive disorders such as gastritis, dyspepsia, gastrichyperacidity, heartburn, gastric oppression and peptic ulcer.

[0021] Neutralizing antacids, which are insoluble inorganic salts, areknown to neutralize stomach acidity very quickly. As a result, relieffrom gastrointestinal distress is fast and effective, but does not lastlong, possibly up to about 30 minutes. The acid blockers, when taken incombination with the antacid, will start to be effective after about 30minutes, and be most effective after about 3-6 hours, and may last up toabout 9-12 hours.

[0022] Acid blockers may also be added to a chewing gum coating. Ifwater soluble, the acid blocker may be added to the sugar or polyolsyrup and applied throughout the coating process. Water insoluble acidblockers may be dissolved or dispersed in a solvent, possibly flavors,and applied at various times during the coating process. Preferably, anacid blocker may be added as a powder after it has been preblended witha dry charge material. This could allow more control of the level of theacid blocker used in the chewing gum product and may reduce anyinstability problems of the acid blocker that may be associated withmoisture.

[0023] The dosage level of acid blocker used in a preferred coatedchewing gum product will vary depending on the acid blocker used. Ingeneral, the level of acid blocker will be about 1 mg to about 200 mg,either in the gum center or preferably in a gum coating. This level ofacid blocker is used in addition to a high level of antacid or calciumcarbonate in the preferred gum coating. The level of calcium carbonatein the preferred gum coating will be about 250 to 800 mg in 1 or 2pieces of gum product having a weight of about 1.5 to 3 grams.

[0024] For antacid chewing gum products, calcium carbonate is the mostpreferred antacid material. This is mostly due to the fact that the mostcommon inert filler in chewing gum base is calcium carbonate. Calciumcarbonate, along with talc (magnesium silicate), which is commonly usedin bases for gum products that contain food acids to give tartness toflavors, have been used as fillers in gum base and gum products for manyyears. Chewing gum bases may also contain the other antacids as inertsalts.

[0025] Chewing gum bases that contain calcium carbonate do not readilyrelease their calcium carbonate during chewing. Since calcium carbonate(or in other cases talc) is very water insoluble, it releases from gumbase either very slowly or over very long extended chewing. As a result,this calcium carbonate is not effective as an antacid. Generally, whencalcium carbonate is added to a gum formulation separate from the gumbase, calcium carbonate becomes intimately mixed with the base duringchewing and also releases slowly. However, when calcium carbonate isused in the coating of the chewing gum, it does become quickly availablein the oral cavity and is ingested to be an effective antacid.

[0026] Generally, suspension coatings with calcium carbonate for anantacid gum may be made with sugar. Sugar with its naturally sweet tastemasks some of the off-taste due to the use of high levels of calciumcarbonate. With the advent of new coating technologies using less sweetsugarless polyols instead of sugar, the sweet taste of the coating issignificantly reduced. In some coatings where xylitol is used, it issufficiently sweet as a coating, but other polyols such as maltitol,hydrogenated isomaltulose, sorbitol, or erythritol, are not. When thecoating contains high levels of calcium carbonate, the polyols generallylack sufficient sweetness to give a good tasting product. As a result,high-intensity sweeteners are preferably added to the coating containingcalcium carbonate to give a high-quality, consumer-acceptable product.

[0027] For coated antacid chewing gum type products, the high level ofcalcium carbonate or other antacid in the coating modifies the tastequality and gum texture. The addition of high-intensity sweeteners tothe gum coating improves the taste of the finished product. This alsooccurs in sugarcoated gums as well as polyol coated gums, so aspartameor another high-intensity sweeteners may also be added to sugar coatedgums with calcium carbonate or other antacids. If the high-intensitysweeter is subject to degradation, it may preferably by added as part ofa different coating syrup from the coating syrup containing the calciumcarbonate, as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/591,256filled Jun. 9, 2000, hereby incorporated by reference.

[0028] Since calcium carbonate is very water insoluble, as are many ofthe other neutralizing antacids, the reaction rate of the salts withaqueous acids is dependant on the surface area of the neutralizingagent. Neutralizing agents with a large surface area will react fasterwith acids than those with a small surface area. Many smaller sizeparticles with a combined large surface area neutralize acids fasterthan fewer large particles with a combined small surface area. However,larger particle sizes of calcium carbonate give longer lasting relieffrom stomach acidity. When the calcium carbonate particles are suspendedin a coating syrup and applied as a gum coating, the particle sizes ofcalcium carbonate remains essentially the same throughout the process.

[0029] Analysis of a precipitated calcium carbonate having a medianparticle size of about 5 microns was done before and after being appliedas a coating. Before coating, the sample was analyzed and found to havea median particle size of 5.1 microns. After preparing the sample ofcalcium carbonate in a suspension and applying it to a gum pellet for anantacid gum product, the particle size of the calcium carbonate was 4.9microns.

[0030] It has been determined that a calcium carbonate having a medianparticle size of about 3 microns or greater is sufficient to give longerlasting relief of excess stomach activity. Preferably, the medianparticle size of the calcium carbonate in the coating will be betweenabout 3 microns and about 75 microns, and more preferably, between about3 microns and about 15 microns.

[0031] In terms of water solubility, larger particles have a tendency todissolve more slowly in water, and as calcium carbonate dissolves, itneutralizes stomach acidity. Smaller particles of calcium carbonatecould react faster, and larger particles would react slower.

[0032] In addition to the particle size of calcium carbonate, differentcrystal structures have an effect on the rate of dissolution and therate of neutralization. Natural forms of calcium carbonate such asCalcite, Aragonite, and Vaterite are highly crystalline forms of calciumcarbonate and could dissolve more slowly to give longer lastingneutralizing effect. Marble, Dolomite, and even Mollusk shells are madeof amorphous forms of calcium carbonate, and could dissolve faster andneutralize acidity faster than crystalline forms. Precipitated calciumcarbonate, which is purified from natural sources, is a “micro”crystalline form and would dissolve quickly and neutralizes acidityquickly.

[0033] In general, a chewing gum composition typically comprises awater-soluble bulk portion, a water-insoluble chewable gum base portionand typically water-insoluble flavoring agents. The water-solubleportion dissipates with a portion of the flavoring agent over a periodof time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouththroughout the chew.

[0034] The insoluble gum base generally comprises elastomers, resins,fats and oils, softeners and inorganic fillers. The gum base may or maynot include wax. The insoluble gum base can constitute approximately 5%to about 95% by weight of the chewing gum, more commonly the gum basecomprises about 10% to about 50% of the gum, and in some preferredembodiments approximately 25% to about 35% by weight, of the chewinggum. In pellet gum center formulations, the level of insoluble gum basemay be much higher.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the chewing gum base of the presentinvention contains about 20% to about 60% by weight synthetic elastomer,about 0% to about 30% by weight natural elastomer, about 5% to about 55%by weight elastomer plasticizer, about 4% to about 35% by weight filler,about 5% to about 35% by weight softener, and optional minor amounts(about 1% or less by weight) of miscellaneous ingredients such ascolorants, antioxidants, etc.

[0036] Synthetic elastomers may include, but are not limited to,polyisobutylene with GPC weight average molecular weights of about10,000 to about 95,000, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer (butylelastomer), styrene-butadiene, copolymers having styrene-butadieneratios of about 1:3 to about 3:1, polyvinyl acetate having GPC weightaverage molecular weights of about 2,000 to about 90,000, polyisoprene,polyethylene, vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymers having vinyllaurate contents of about 5% to about 50% by weight of the copolymer,and combinations thereof. Preferred ranges are: 50,000 to 80,000 GPCweight average molecular weight for polyisobutylene; 1:1 to 1:3 boundstyrene-butadiene for styrene-budadiene; 10,000 to 65,000 GPC weightaverage molecular weight for polyvinyl acetate, with the highermolecular weight polyvinyl acetates typically used in bubble gum base;and a vinyl laurate content of 10-45% for vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate.

[0037] Natural elastomers may include natural rubber such as smoked orliquid latex and guayule, as well as natural gums such as jelutong,lechi caspi, perillo, sorva, massaranduba balata, massarandubachocolate, nispero, rosindinha, chicle, gutta hang kang, andcombinations thereof. The preferred synthetic elastomer and naturalelastomer concentrations vary depending on whether the chewing gum inwhich the base is used is adhesive or conventional, bubble gum orregular gum, as discussed below. Preferred natural elastomers includejelutong, chicle, sorva and massaranduba balata.

[0038] Elastomer plasticizers may include, but are not limited to,natural rosin esters such as glycerol esters or partially hydrogenatedrosin, glycerol esters of polymerized rosin, glycerol esters ofpartially dimerized rosin, glycerol esters of rosin, pentaerythritolesters of partially hydrogenated rosin, methyl and partiallyhydrogenated methyl esters of rosin, pentaerythritol esters of rosin;synthetics such as terpene resins derived from alpha-pinene,beta-pinene, and/or d-limonene; and any suitable combinations of theforegoing. The preferred elastomer plasticizers will also vary dependingon the specific application, and on the type of elastomer which is used.

[0039] Fillers/texturizers may include magnesium and calcium carbonate,ground limestone, silicate types such as magnesium and aluminumsilicate, clay, alumina, talc, titanium oxide, mono-, di- andtri-calcium phosphate, cellulose polymers, such as wood, andcombinations thereof.

[0040] Softeners/emulsifiers may include tallow, hydrogenated tallow,hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, cocoa butter,glycerol monostearate, glycerol triacetate, lecithin, mono-, di- andtriglycerides, acetylated monoglycerides, fatty acids (e.g. stearic,palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids), and combinations thereof.

[0041] Colorants and whiteners may include FD&C-type dyes and lakes,fruit and vegetable extracts, titanium dioxide, and combinationsthereof.

[0042] The base may or may not include wax. An example of a wax-free gumbase is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,500, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

[0043] In addition to a water-insoluble gum base portion, a typicalchewing gum composition includes a water-soluble bulk portion and one ormore flavoring agents. The water-soluble portion can include bulksweeteners, high-intensity sweeteners, flavoring agents, softeners,emulsifiers, colors, acidulants, fillers, antioxidants, and othercomponents that provide desired attributes.

[0044] Softeners are added to the chewing gum in order to optimize thechewability and mouth feel of the gum. The softeners, which are alsoknown as plasticizers and plasticizing agents, generally constitutebetween approximately 0.5% to about 15% by weight of the chewing gum.The softeners may include glycerin, lecithin, and combinations thereof.Aqueous sweetener solutions such as those containing sorbitol,hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, corn syrup and combinations thereof,may also be used as softeners and binding agents in chewing gum.

[0045] Bulk sweeteners include both sugar and sugarless components. Bulksweeteners typically constitute about 5% to about 95% by weight of thechewing gum, more typically, about 20% to about 80% by weight, and morecommonly, about 30% to about 60% by weight of the gum. Sugar sweetenersgenerally include saccharide-containing components commonly known in thechewing gum art, including but not limited to, sucrose, dextrose,maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, galactose, corn syrupsolids, and the like, alone or in combination. Sugarless sweetenersinclude, but are not limited to, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol,mannitol, xylitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, maltitol, and thelike, alone or in combination.

[0046] High-intensity artificial sweeteners can also be used, alone orin combination, with the above. Preferred sweeteners include, but arenot limited to, sucralose, aspartame, N-substituted APM derivatives suchas neotame, salts of acesulfame, alitame, saccharin and its salts,cyclamic acid and its salts, glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcones, thaumatin,monellin, and the like, alone or in combination. In order to providelonger lasting sweetness and flavor perception, it may be desirable toencapsulate or otherwise control the release of at least a portion ofthe artificial sweetener. Such techniques as wet granulation, waxgranulation, spray drying, spray chilling, fluid bed coating,coacervation, and fiber extrusion may be used to achieve the desiredrelease characteristics.

[0047] Combinations of sugar and/or sugarless sweeteners may be used inchewing gum. Additionally, the softener may also provide additionalsweetness such as with aqueous sugar or alditol solutions.

[0048] If a low calorie gum is desired, a low caloric bulking agent canbe used. Examples of low caloric bulking agents include: polydextrose;oligofructose (Raftilose); inulin (Raftilin); fructooligosaccharides(NutraFlora); palatinose oligosaccharide; guar gum hydrolysate(BeneFiber); or indigestible dextrin (Fibersol). However, other lowcalorie bulking agents can be used.

[0049] A variety of flavoring agents can also be used, if desired. Theflavor can be used in amounts of about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent ofthe gum, and preferably, about 0.2% to about 5% by weight. Flavoringagents may include essential oils, synthetic flavors or mixtures thereofincluding, but not limited to, oils derived from plants and fruits suchas citrus oils, fruit essences, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, othermint oils, clove oil, oil of wintergreen, anise and the like. Artificialflavoring agents and components may also be used. Natural and artificialflavoring agents may be combined in any sensorially acceptable fashion.

[0050] In general, chewing gum is manufactured by sequentially addingthe various chewing gum ingredients to a commercially available mixerknown in the art. After the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, thegum mass is discharged from the mixer and shaped into the desired form,such as rolling into sheets and cutting into sticks, extruding intochunks or casting into pellets, which are then coated or panned.

[0051] Generally, the ingredients are mixed by first melting the gumbase and adding it to the running mixer. The base may also be melted inthe mixer itself. Color or emulsifiers may also be added at this time. Asoftener such as glycerin may also be added at this time, along withsyrup and a portion of the bulking agent. Further parts of the bulkingagent are added to the mixer. Flavoring agents are typically added withthe final portion of the bulking agent. Other optional ingredients areadded to the batch in a typical fashion, well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

[0052] The entire mixing procedure typically takes from five to fifteenminutes, but longer mixing times may sometimes be required. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the abovedescribed procedure may be followed.

[0053] After the ingredients are mixed, the gum mass is formed intopellets or balls. Pellet or ball gum is prepared as conventional chewinggum but formed into pellets that are pillow shaped, or into balls. Thepellets/balls are used as cores for the coated product. The cores can besugar or polyol coated or panned by conventional panning techniques tomake a unique coated pellet gum. The weight of the coating may be about20% to about 50% of the weight of the finished product, but may be asmuch as 75% of the total gum product.

[0054] Conventional panning procedures generally coat with sucrose, butrecent advances in panning have allowed use of other carbohydratematerials to be used in place of sucrose. Some of these materialsinclude, but are not limited to, sugars such as dextrose, maltose,isomaltulose, and tagatose, or sugarless bulk sweeteners such asxylitol, sorbitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose, erythritol,maltitol, and other new polyols (also referred to as alditols) orcombinations thereof. The coating is preferably sugarless. A preferredcoating comprises about 30% to about 75% maltitol. These materials maybe blended with panning modifiers including, but not limited to, gumarabic, gum talha, maltodextrins, corn syrup, gelatin, cellulose typematerials like carboxymethyl cellulose or hydroxymethyl cellulose,starch and modified starches, vegetables gums like alginates, locustbean gum, guar gum, and gum tragacanth. Antitack agents may also beadded as panning modifiers, which allow the use of a variety ofcarbohydrates and sugar alcohols. Flavors may also be added with thesugar or sugarless coating to yield unique product characteristics.

[0055] As noted above, the coating may contain ingredients such asflavoring agents, as well as dispersing agents, coloring agents, filmformers and binding agents. Flavoring agents contemplated by the presentinvention include those commonly known in the art such as essentialoils, synthetic flavors or mixtures thereof, including but not limitedto oils derived from plants and fruits such as citrus oils, fruitessences, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, other mint oils, clove oil, oilof wintergreen, anise and the like. The flavoring agents may be used inan amount such that the coating will contain from about 0.2% to about 3%flavoring agent, and preferably from about 0.7% to about 2.0% flavoringagent.

[0056] High-intensity sweeteners contemplated for use in the coatinginclude but are not limited to synthetic substances, such as saccharin,thaumatin, alitame, saccharin salts, aspartame, N-substituted APMderivatives such as neotame, sucralose, cyclamic acid and its salts,glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcones, monellin and acesulfame-K or other saltsof acesulfame. The high-intensity sweetener may be added to the coatingsyrup in an amount such that the coating will contain from about 0.01%to about 2.0%, and preferably from about 0.1% to about 1.0%high-intensity sweetener. Preferably the high-intensity sweetener is notencapsulated.

[0057] Dispersing agents are often added to syrup coatings for thepurpose of whitening and tack reduction. Dispersing agents contemplatedby the present invention to be employed in the coating syrup includetitanium dioxide, talc, or any other antistick compound. Titaniumdioxide is a presently preferred dispersing agent of the presentinvention. The dispersing agent may be added to the coating syrup inamounts such that the coating will contain from about 0.1% to about1.0%, and preferably from about 0.3% to about 0.6% of the agent.

[0058] When high amounts of calcium carbonate or other antacid is used,the calcium carbonate is dispersed or suspended in the coating syrupthat contains the sugar or polyol, thus making a syrup suspension.Generally, as the level of calcium carbonate is increased, the level ofsugar or polyol is decreased. Levels of calcium carbonate used may be aslow as 25% of the total solids or as high as 50% of the total solids inthe syrup, and more preferably will comprise about 30% to about 40% ofthe total solids. In preferred embodiments, the calcium carbonate willcomprise about 25% to about 50% of the gum coating, and more preferablyabout 30% to about 40% of the gum coating.

[0059] Coloring agents are preferably added directly to the syrupsuspension in the dye or lake form. Coloring agents contemplated by thepresent invention include food quality dyes. Film formers preferablyadded to the syrup include methyl cellulose, gelatins, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose and the like and combinations thereof. Binding agents may beadded either as an initial coating on the chewing gum center or may beadded directly into the syrup. Binding agents contemplated by thepresent invention include gum arabic, gum talha, guar gum, karaya gum,locust bean gum, alginate gums, xanthan gum, arabinogalactan, variouscellulose derivatives, vegetable gums, gelatin and mixtures thereof,with gum arabic being preferred. The binding agent is preferably used ata level of at least about 2% of the coating syrup.

[0060] The coating is initially present as a liquid syrup which containsfrom about 30% to about 80% of the coating ingredients previouslydescribed herein, and from about 20% to about 70% of a solvent such aswater. In general, the coating process is carried out in a rotating pan.Sugar or sugarless gum center tablets to be coated are placed into therotating pan to form a moving mass. The material or syrup suspensionwhich will eventually form the coating is applied or distributed overthe gum center tablets. Flavoring agents may be added before, during andafter applying the syrup suspension to the gum centers. Once the coatinghas dried to form a hard surface, additional syrup additions can be madeto produce a plurality of coatings or multiple layers of hard coating.

[0061] In a hard coating panning procedure, syrup is added to the gumcenter tablets at a temperature range of from about 100° F. (38° C.) toabout 240° F. (116° C.). Preferably, the syrup temperature is from about130° F. (54° C.) to about 200° F. (94° C.) throughout the process inorder to prevent the polyol or sugar in the syrup suspension fromcrystallizing. The syrup suspension may be mixed with, sprayed upon,poured over, or added to the gum center tablets in any way known tothose skilled in the art.

[0062] In general, a plurality of layers is obtained by applying singlecoats, allowing the layers to dry, and then repeating the process. Theamount of solids added by each coating step depends chiefly on theconcentration of the coating syrup suspension. Any number of coats maybe applied to the gum center tablet. Preferably, no more than about75-100 coats are applied to the gum center tablets. The presentinvention contemplates applying an amount of syrup sufficient to yield acoated comestible containing about 20% to about 75% coating.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will recognize that in order to obtain aplurality of coated layers, a plurality of premeasured aliquots ofcoating syrup suspension may be applied to the gum center tablets. It iscontemplated, however, that the volume of aliquots of syrup suspensionapplied to the gum center tablets may vary throughout the coatingprocedure.

[0064] Once a coating is applied to the gum center tablets, the presentinvention contemplates drying the wet syrup suspension in an inertmedium. A preferred drying medium comprises air. Preferably, forceddrying air contacts the wet syrup coating in a temperature range of fromabout 70° F. (21° C.) to about 115° F. (46° C.). More preferably, thedrying air is in the temperature range of from about 80° F. (27° C.) toabout 100° F. (38° C.). The invention also contemplates that the dryingair possess a relative humidity of less than about 15 percent.Preferably, the relative humidity of the drying air is less than about 8percent.

[0065] The drying air may be passed over and admixed with the syrupcoated gum centers in any way commonly known in the art. Preferably, thedrying air is blown over and around or through the bed of the syrupcoated gum centers at a flow rate, for large scale operations, of about2800 cubic feet per minute. If lower quantities of material are beingprocessed, or if smaller equipment is used, lower flow rates would beused.

[0066] The present invention also contemplates the application of powdermaterial after applying an aliquot of coating syrup to help build up thecoating.

[0067] In addition to applying a plurality of liquid layers and dryingwith air, a dry charge material may be added to dry the coatingapplications. This is especially useful when coating with some sugarsand polyols, such as dextrose, sorbitol, maltitol, and hydrogenatedisomaltulose. A liquid addition of coating syrup is made in the coatingprocess and after a specified time to allow the liquid to spread evenlyover the pieces, a dry powder material is applied. This also helps todry the liquid coating. This is referred to as dry charging and iscommonly used in “soft” panning operations and is commonly known bythose skilled in the art. The dry charge material may consist mostly ofthe sugar or polyol used in the liquid coating, but may also containother additives such as gums, dispersing agents, and antitack agents.The simethicone or other antigas agent could be preblended with the drycharge material and applied in about 3 to 12 dry charge applications.After a dry charge application, 2 to 4 liquid applications are made tocover the dry charge material.

[0068] When flavors are added to a sugar or sugarless coating of pelletgum to enhance the overall flavor of gum, the flavors are generallypreblended with the coating syrup just prior to applying it to the coreor added together to the core in one or more coating applications in arevolving pan containing the cores. Simethicone may be pre-blended withthe flavor before it is applied to the cores. Generally, the coatingsyrup is very hot, about 130° F. (54° C.) to 200° F. (93° C.), and theflavor may volatilize if preblended with the coating syrup too early.

[0069] The coating syrup is preferably applied to the gum cores as a hotliquid, the sugar or polyol allowed to crystallize, and the coating thendried with warm, dry air. Aliquots of syrups are preferably applied inabout 30 to 80 applications to obtain a hard shell coated product havingan increased weight gain of about 20% to 75%. A flavor is applied withone, two, three or even four or more of these coating applications. Eachtime flavor is added, several non-flavored coatings are applied to coverthe flavor before the next flavor coat is applied. This reducesvolatilization of the flavor during the coating process.

[0070] For mint flavors such spearmint, peppermint and wintergreen, someof the flavor components are volatilized, but sufficient flavor remainsto give a product having a strong, high impact flavor. Fruit flavors,that may contain esters, are more easily volatilized and may beflammable and/or explosive and therefore, generally these type of fruitflavors are not used in coatings.

EXAMPLES

[0071] The following examples of the invention are provided by way ofexplanation and illustration.

[0072] As noted earlier, the gum formulas can be prepared as sugar orsugarless type formulations and made in a pellet or pillow shape or around ball or any other shape of product for coating/panning. However,gum formulas for pellet centers are generally adjusted to a higher levelof gum base to give a more consumer acceptable size of gum bolus.

[0073] Keeping this in mind, if a coating of about 25% of the totalproduct is added to a pellet core as sugar or polyols, the gum base inthe pellet core should also be increased by 25%. Likewise, if a 33%coating is applied, the base levels should also be increased by 33%. Asa result, gum centers are usually formulated with about 25% to about 50%gum base with a corresponding decrease in the other ingredients exceptflavor. Even higher levels of base may be used when calcium carbonate oranother antacid is added to a pellet coating. Generally flavor levels inthe gum increase with the level of gum base as the base tends to bindflavors into the gum and more flavor is needed to give a good flavorfulproduct. However flavors can also be added to the coating to giveincreased flavor impact and more flavor perception.

[0074] Some typical sugar gum center formulations are shown in Table 1that can be used as centers that are coated with a coating that containsan antigas agent to give an effective antigas chewing gum product. TABLE1 (WEIGHT PERCENT) EX. 1 EX. 2 EX. 3 EX. 4 EX. 5 EX. 6 SUGAR 48.0 48.046.0 40.0 39.0 36.0 GUM BASE 30.0 35.0 40.0 30.0 35.0 40.0 CORN SYRUP20.0 15.0 12.0 18.0 14.0 12.0 GLYCERIN 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0PEPPERMINT 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 FLAVOR DEXTROSE — — — 10.0 10.0 10.0MONOHYDRATE

[0075] Higher levels of base may be used with a corresponding decreasein other ingredients. Also, other sugars may be used in the gum center.

[0076] Calcium carbonate can then be used in the coating formula on thevarious pellet gum formulations. The following Table 2 shows some sugarand dextrose type coating formulas: Using a 1 gram center, the levels ofcalcium carbonate in the following tables will give 250-800 mg per 1 or2 pieces in 1.5-3.0 gram pieces with 33% to 66% coating. A 2% level ofsimethicone in a coating on a 2.25 gram coated gum with a 55.5% coatingwill give 25 mg of simethicone, which is the amount conventionally foundin some antacid preparations. A 2.5% level of simethicone in a 2.0 gramcoated gum product with 5% simethicone in the coating will give aproduct containing 50 mg of simethicone. TABLE 2 (DRY WEIGHT PERCENT)EX. 7 EX. 8 EX. 9 EX. 10 EX. 11 EX. 12 SUGAR 69.3 59.3 51.8 66.3 63.349.3 GUM ARABIC 2.0 3.0 4.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 TITANIUM 0.5 1.0 1.0 — — —DIOXIDE CALCIUM 25.0 30.0 40.0 25.0 30.0 40.0 CARBONATE FLAVOR 1.0 1.51.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 WAX 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 ACESULFAME K 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 0.1 SIMETHICONE* 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 EX. 13 EX. 14 EX. 15 EX. 16DEXTROSE 69.7 49.2 70.2 50.2 MONOHYDRATE GUM ARABIC 1.5 3.0 1.5 3.0TITANIUM DIOXIDE 0.5 1.0 — — CALCIUM CARBONATE 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0FLAVOR 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.5 WAX 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 ACESULFAME K 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2SIMETHICONE* 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0

[0077] The above formulations are made by making a coating syrup bydissolving the sugar or dextrose monohydrate and gum arabic in solutionat boiling, and suspending titanium dioxide and/or calcium carbonate inthis syrup. Flavor and simethicone is not mixed with hot syrup, butadded with one or more coating applications. Acesulfame K may be addedas part of the coating syrup. After the final coats are applied anddried, wax is applied to give a smooth polish.

[0078] The above process gives a hard shell coating. Often a dry chargeof powdered sugar or dextrose monohydrate may be used. This gives asomewhat softer coating. A dry charge may be used to build up a coating,but then finished with a straight syrup to obtain a hard shell. Table 3gives these types of formulations. TABLE 3 (DRY WEIGHT PERCENT) EX. EX.17 18 EX. 19 EX. 20 EX. 21 EX. 22 SUGAR* 61.8 47.8 — — 51.8 — DEXTROSE —— 61.1 47.6 — 40.1 MONOHYDRATE* POWDER 8.0 3.0 — — — — SUGAR** POWDER —— 8.0 3.0 8.0 5.0 DEXTROSE** GUM ARABIC 2.0 3.0 2.0 3.0 8.0 6.0 POWDER**GUM ARABIC — — — — 4.0 2.0 SOLUTION FLAVOR** 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 WAX0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 CALCIUM 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0 CARBONATEACESULFAME 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.3 SIMETHICONE** 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0

[0079] In Examples 17-20, gum arabic is blended in the sugar/dextrosesyrup. In Examples 21 and 22, gum arabic powder is dry charged after agum arabic solution is applied in the first stages of coating, which isthen followed by a hard shell coating of sugar solution or dextrosesolution.

[0080] Gum arabic may also be used in coating of sugarless gum centers.Like sugar gum centers, the base formulation can be increased inproportion to the amount of coating applied to the center. Generally,the base level may be increased to 30-46% with the other ingredientsproportionally reduced.

[0081] Some typical sugarless gum center formulations are shown in Table4 that can be used as centers that are coated with calcium carbonate andsimethicone to give an effective antigas product. TABLE 4 (WEIGHTPERCENT) EX. 23 EX. 24 EX. 25 EX. 26 EX. 27 EX. 28 EX. 29 GUM BASE 35.035.0 30.0 35.0 30.0 40.0 35.8 CALCIUM — — 5.0 15.0 10.0 — 14.5CARBONATE^(b)) SORBITOL 43.1 44.9 46.0 43.1 49.8 41.0 40.6 MANNITOL 10.010.0 5.0 — — 8.0 — GLYCERIN — 8.0 2.0 3.0 8.0 2.0 3.0 SORBITOL LIQUID10.0 — 10.0 — — 6.0^(a)) 1.05^(c)) FLAVOR 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 2.5ENCAPSULATED 0.4 0.4 0.5 1.0 0.2 0.6 2.0 HIGH-INTENSITY SWEETENERLECITHIN — 0.2 0.4 — 0.4 0.55

[0082] In the above center formulations, the high-intensity sweetenerused is aspartame, acesulfame K, or a combination thereof. However otherhigh-intensity sweeteners such as alitame, salts of acesulfame,cyclamate and its salts, saccharin and its salts, neotame, sucralose,thaumatin, monellin, dihydrochalcones, stevioside, glycyrrhizin andcombinations thereof may be used in any of the examples with the leveladjusted for sweetness.

[0083] Lycasin and other polyols such as maltitol, xylitol, erythritol,lactitol and hydrogenated isomaltulose may also be used in the gumcenter formulations at various levels. The texture may be adjusted byvarying glycerin or sorbitol liquid. Sweetness of the center formulationcan also be adjusted by varying the level of high-intensity sweetener.

[0084] Simethicone can be used in sugarless coating with xylitol,sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and erythritol.Gum arabic acts as a binding agent, film former and hardener of thecoated pellet. Using a 1 gram center, the levels of antacid in thefollowing tables will give 250-800 mg of antacid per 1 or 2 pieces in1.5-3.0 gram chewing gum product pieces with 33% to 66% coating. A 2%level of simethicone in a coating on a 2.25 gram coated gum with a 55.5%coating will give 25 mg of simethicone. A 2.5% level of simethicone in a2.0 gram coated gum piece with 5% in a coating will give 50 mg ofsimethicone. TABLE 5 (DRY WEIGHT PERCENT) EX. EX. 30 31 EX. 32 EX. 33 EX34 EX. 35 XYLITOL 67.1 46.6 63.2 45.0 63.1 43.5 GUM ARABIC 4.0 6.0 7.08.5 8.5 10.0 FLAVOR 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 TITANIUM 0.5 0.9 — — — —DIOXIDE TALC 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 WAX 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 COLOR*— — 1.4 — — — CALCIUM 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0 CARBONATE ACESULFAMEK 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.3 SIMETHICONE** 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0 2.0 5.0

[0085] The above formulas are used to coat pellets by applying axylitol/gum arabic syrup in multiple coats and air-drying. Color ortitanium dioxide is also mixed in the xylitol/gum arabic syrup. Calciumcarbonate may be suspended in the xylitol hot syrup or added as a drypowder between syrup applications. The acesulfame K may be mixed intothe coating syrup before it is applied. After the pellets have beencoated and dried, talc and wax are added to give a polish.

[0086] Like xylitol, maltitol coatings may also contain a combination ofantacid materials and simethicone. The following formulation can bemade. TABLE 6 (DRY WEIGHT PERCENT) EX. EX. 36 37 EX. 38 EX. 39 EX 40 EX.41 MALTITOL 61.5 42.5 54.3 49.4 55.8 48.1 MALTITOL 5.0 10.0 7.5 5.0 10.06.0 POWDER GUM TALHA 2.0 4.0 6.0 2.0 3.0 6.0 FLAVOR 0.5 0.4 0.7 0.5 0.31.0 TITANIUM 0.5 0.5 1.0 0.5 0.4 1.3 DIOXIDE TALC 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.10.1 WAX 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 CALCIUM 25.0 40.0 25.0 40.0 25.0 35.0CARBONATE* ACESULFAME K 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.4 SIMETHICONE 5.0 2.0 5.02.0 5.0 2.0

[0087] Although some simethicone may be premixed with flavor, maltitolpowder and simethicone are used to dry charge in the early stages ofcoating. Maltitol, gum talha, calcium carbonate, and titanium dioxideare blended into the coating syrup and applied to the gum pellets. Themixture is applied as a syrup suspension. After all coating is appliedand dried, talc and wax are added to give a polish.

[0088] In a similar manner, coatings with sorbitol, lactitol andhydrogenated isomaltulose may be made in the coating formulas in Table 6by replacing maltitol with any one of the other polyols and maltitolpowder with the polyol powder. Like maltitol, the other polyols maybecome sticky during the coating and drying process, so the dry powdercharge may be needed to give the proper drying. In the later stages ofthe coating process, less gum talha could be used and a more pure polyolsyrup could be used to give a smooth surface. Also, the dry charge wouldonly be used in the early stages of the coating process.

[0089] In addition to dry charging with the specific polyol, otheringredients may be added to the dry charge to help absorb moisture.These materials could be inert such as talc, magnesium carbonate,starches, gums like arabinogalactan, gum talha, gum arabic or othermoisture absorbing materials. Also, powdered sweeteners or flavors couldbe added with the dry charge.

[0090] Polyols such as sorbitol, maltitol, lactitol and hydrogenatedisomaltulose are not sufficiently sweet compared to sugar or xylitol, sohigh-intensity sweeteners are preferably added to the coating. Besideaspartame, other high-intensity sweeteners may also be used such asacesulfame K, salts of acesulfame, cyclamate and its salts, saccharinand its salts, alitame, sucralose, thaumatin, monellin,dihydrochalcones, glycyrrhizin, neotame, and combinations thereof. Whenadding calcium carbonate or other antacids, and a hot syrup is applied,heat and high pH may degrade some sweeteners, so only stablehigh-intensity sweeteners should be used if the high-intensity sweeteneris added in the main coating syrup.

[0091] It should be appreciated that the compositions and methods of thepresent invention are capable of being incorporated in the form of avariety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated anddescribed above. The invention may be embodied in other forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive, and the scope of the invention, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A method of making coated chewing gum products containing an antigasagent comprising the steps of: a) providing chewing gum cores; b)providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; c) providing anantigas agent; and d) applying the antigas agent and coating syrup tothe cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores, thecoating containing the antigas agent.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe bulk sweetener is a polyol.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein theantigas agent is simethicone.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein thepolyol is selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, erythritol,xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose and combinationsthereof.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating further comprisesa neutralizing antacid.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the coatingsyrup further comprises a binding agent.
 7. The method of claim 6wherein the binding agent is selected from the group consisting of gumarabic, gum talha, guar gum, karaya gum, locust bean gum, alginate gums,xanthan gum, arabinogalactan, cellulose derivatives, vegetable gums,gelatin and mixtures thereof.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein thebinding agent comprises at least about 2% of the coating syrup.
 9. Themethod of claim 5 wherein the neutralizing antacid comprises betweenabout 25% and about 50% of the total solids in the coating syrup. 10.The method of claim 5 wherein the antacid is calcium carbonate andcomprises between about 30% and about 40% of the total solids in thecoating syrup.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein the neutralizingantacid comprises between about 30% and about 40% of the coating. 12.The method of claim 1 wherein the coating further comprises ahigh-intensity sweetener.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein thehigh-intensity sweetener is selected from the group consisting ofsucralose, aspartame, N-substituted APM derivatives, salts ofacesulfame, alitame, saccharin and its salts, cyclamic acid and itssalts, glycyrrhizin, dihydrochalcones, thaumatin, monellin and mixturesthereof.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein the bulk sweetener comprisesmaltitol.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating is sugarless.16. The method of claim 12 wherein the high-intensity sweetenercomprises acesulfame K.
 17. The method of claim 1 wherein a powderedpolyol is applied to the cores after application of the coating syrup.18. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating further comprises an acidblocker.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the acid blocker is ahistamine H₂-receptor antagonist selected from the group consisting ofcimetidine, ranitidine and its active salt , famotidine, nizatidine andmixtures thereof.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the histamineH₂-receptor antagonist comprises famotidine.
 21. A chewing gum productmade by the method of claim
 1. 22. A method of making coated chewing gumproducts containing an antigas agent comprising the steps of: a)providing chewing gum cores; b) providing a coating syrup comprising: i)a bulk sweetener and ii) a neutralizing antacid; c) providing a drycharge material comprising a bulk sweetener and simethicone; and d)applying the coating syrup and dry charge material to the chewing gumcores to produce a coating on the cores, the coating comprising thesimethicone and between about 25% and about 60% antacid.
 23. The methodof claim 22 wherein the coating comprises about 30% to about 75%maltitol.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein multiple coats of coatingsyrup and dry charge material are applied to build up the coating. 25.The method of claim 22 wherein the dry charge material and coating syrupboth include maltitol as the bulk sweetener.
 26. A method of deliveringan antigas agent to an individual that provides relief in thegastrointestinal tract comprising the steps of: a) providing chewing gumcores; b) providing a coating syrup comprising a bulk sweetener; c)providing simethicone; d) applying the simethicone and coating syrup tothe cores and drying the syrup to produce a coating on the cores, thecoating containing from about 5 mg to about 200 mg simethicone; and e)chewing the coated chewing gum product in the mouth and swallowing thecoating, the coating dispersing and dissolving to provide simethicone asan antigas agent in the gastrointestinal tract.
 27. The method of claim1 wherein the antigas agent is simethicone which has been physicallymodified.
 28. The method of claim 26 wherein the simethicone isphysically modified.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein the simethiconeis encapsulated.
 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the simethicone isencapsulated.
 31. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating furthercomprises a flavor, and the antigas agent and flavor are preblended andapplied to the cores between applications of the coating syrup.
 32. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the antigas agent is mixed in with the coatingsyrup prior to the coating syrup being applied to the cores.
 33. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the antigas agent is blended with a carrierand applied to the cores as a dry charge between applications of thecoating syrup.
 34. A coated chewing gum product containing an antigasagent comprising: a) a chewing gum core; and b) a coating on the core,the coating comprising an antigas agent.
 35. The coated chewing gumproduct of claim 34 wherein the antigas agent comprises simethicone. 36.The coated chewing gum product of claim 34 wherein the coating furthercomprises an acid blocker.
 37. The coated chewing gum product of claim34 wherein the coating further comprises a neutralizing antacid.